In many big cities, noneducators are being asked to create rescue strategies for the public schools. In Cleveland (Ohio) and Chicago (Illinois), mayors have taken over the school systems, and in the District of Columbia and Baltimore (Maryland), reform boards have been asked to improve the schools. This book is designed to help these noneducators…

Controlled choice is a method of desegregation that is voluntary, empowers parents and school staff, and leads to new and exciting school organization and curriculum. To move in the direction of controlled choice, substantial changes in present school organization and operation must be made. This planning guide, based upon the actual experiences…

This guide is designed to help disabled students of all ages who are thinking about continuing their education after high school. It contains practical suggestions to assist in managing the daily challenges that arise. The guide focuses on expressing one's needs, being open to change, practicing self-advocacy, planning ahead, looking for the best…

Argues that we must stop our crisis-oriented approach to urban education, sets forth three major goals for urban schools, and lists six policy guidelines for the future. (Author/WD)

The Catholic school is unique because it is a religious community within an academic community. There is a dual purpose in a Catholic school--learning and believing. This handbook provides Catholic educators with an effective tool for understanding and articulating the distinct characteristics of the Catholic school. Chapter 1 discusses ways in…

The premise of this policy paper is that two educational movements, the charter school movement and the development and dissemination of a variety of comprehensive school designs, have an unprecedented opportunity to work together to improve U.S. public education. This paper, focusing on challenges facing comprehensive school design organizations,…

Controlled educational choice, defined as parental or student choice of educational programs within the public school system that is regulated for public purposes, has become a leading proposal for educational reform. This paper reviews evidence from three working models of choice: the Minnesota Postsecondary Enrollment Options program (PEO), the…

Parents considering placing a disabled child in a residential facility should evaluate and choose a school by visiting at both "peak" and "off-peak" hours to learn about the physical surroundings, structured activities, the child-care staff, the teaching staff, the administration, and treatment plans. (CB)

The Oregon Department of Education is required by the U.S. Department of Education to establish targets for expected rates of growth for every school in order to close the achievement gap. The Oregon Department of Education will work in partnership with key partners such as ESDs, universities, community-based organizations, and professional…

America's public schools face a demanding call for reform. This guidebook argues that public schools are failing and that the "education establishment" has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. The book provides guidelines for parents and citizens for making community-based changes or state reform of education. Section 1, "What Is…

Discusses circumstances that lead to a child's sudden departure from a school. Provides school administrators and teachers with suggestions for ways to ease children's sudden departure from a school. (BB)

Research shows that family involvement in education leads to long-term achievement, positive attitudes, and more effective schools. Families can participate in the schools in a number of ways. Parent involvement begins with teaching in the home when the child is small and continues through preschool programs. Once the child is ready for public…

This book examines recent school reforms in England and Wales, the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. It suggests that, at the same time as appearing to devolve power to individual schools and parents, governments have actually been increasing their own capacity to "steer" the system at a distance. Section 1 sets the scene by outlining and…

Twenty-four questions regarding school choice concerns are answered in this document, which advocates school choice in public schools for Massachusetts. The following issues are included: the rationale for school choice; drawbacks to currently available choice options; components of an effective choice plan; the definition and maintenance of…

Step-by-step advice for Spanish-speaking parents on how to choose among available schools for their children is offered in this guidebook. Factors to consider in making the choice are discussed, as well as information on alternatives to the available choices, which include home schooling and working to create new options. After an introductory…